# Iran (DD-204)

> Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in West Asia. Its territory was the heart of several Persian empires, beginning with the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC. The country was widely known abroad as Persia until 1935, when the government asked foreign governments to use the name Iran. Since the 1979 revolution it has been an Islamic republic. Persian (Farsi) is the official language, and Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Luri, Arabic, Baluchi and other languages are also spoken. Iran has had tense relations with several countries in recent decades, including over its nuclear program. The footage shows Iranian cities, mosques and landscapes, with the presenter.

- Department: History (also Locations)
- First published: 2024-01-30
- Last updated: 2024-01-30
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/iran/
- Original Reel title: Iran 🇮🇷 🇮🇷 🇮🇷
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1935**: Iran asks foreign governments to use 'Iran' instead of 'Persia'
- **1979**: The revolution makes Iran an Islamic republic

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=iran

## Quick facts

- **DD-204-F01**: Iran is a country in West Asia. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (West Asia))_
- **DD-204-F02**: Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Achaemenids))_

## Write-up

Iran was known internationally as Persia until 1935. Persian, or Farsi, is its official language.

1. **West Asia**: Iran is a country in West Asia.
2. **Achaemenids**: Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire.
3. **1935**: Iran asked others to stop using 'Persia' in 1935.
4. **1979**: It has been an Islamic republic since 1979.
5. **Persian**: Persian (Farsi) is the official language.

## Related case files

- [Ardabil (DD-620)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/ardabil/): I linked another place in Iran

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Iran: Iran Was Known Internationally as Persia Until 1935

- Duration: 39.5 s · Published: 2024-01-30
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C2wEDStNxx9.mp4

### Transcript

Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country located in West Asia with a rich and extensive history. DID YOU KNOW? It's often referred to as Persia, a name closely associated with its historical past. Iran's history is marked by ancient civilizations, including the Persian Empire, which played a significant role in shaping the region's culture and influence. The official language of Iran is Persian, also known as Farsi, spoken by the majority of the population. However, due to its ethnic diversity, various other languages and dialects are spoken across the country. Iran has faced its share of challenges, including political tensions and international relations. Still, it remains a fascinating and culturally rich nation, with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Where is Iran?**  
A: Officially the Islamic Republic of Iran. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (West Asia) · Wikipedia: Iran)_

**Q: Who founded the Achaemenid Empire?**  
A: 6th century BC. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Achaemenids) · Wikipedia: Achaemenid Empire)_

**Q: What happened in 1935?**  
A: Instead of Persia. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (1935) · Wikipedia: Iran)_

**Q: What began in 1979?**  
A: After the revolution. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (1979) · Wikipedia: Iran)_

**Q: What is the official language?**  
A: Also called Farsi. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Persian) · Wikipedia: Iran)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Iran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran)
- [Wikipedia: Achaemenid Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achaemenid_Empire)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Iran." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-204, last updated Jan 30, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/iran/